Kwara Police Confirm Mob K!lling Of Chief Imam In Tsaragi, Arrest Four Suspects

Kwara Police Confirm Mob Killing Of Chief Imam In Tsaragi, Arrest Four Suspects

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the command said the tragic incident occurred on November 4, 2025, at about 9:30pm.

The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed a report by SaharaReporters about the gruesome killing of a Chief Imam in Tsaragi, Edu Local Government Area of the state, following a mob attack over allegations of culpable homicide.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the command said the tragic incident occurred on November 4, 2025, at about 9:30pm.

According to the statement, one Ibrahim Gana, a 25-year-old resident of Sokunkpan Village in Tsaragi, who had been ill and on admission at a hospital, sadly passed away.

Following his death, his brothers, identified as Mohammed Shaba and Mahmud Gana, accused the Chief Imam of the village, Alhaji Abdullahi Audu, of being responsible for their brother’s demise.

“‎In an act of mob violence, Muhammad Shaaba and Mahmud Gana allegedly mobilised several other individuals and attacked the Chief Imam with offensive weapons, leading to his death,” she said

SP Ejire-Adeyemi disclosed that police operatives promptly launched an investigation into the incident and arrested four suspects, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend others connected to the crime.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, condemned the killing and warned residents against taking the law into their own hands.

He emphasised that jungle justice remains a criminal act punishable under Nigerian law.

He also urged members of the public to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or through the command’s designated communication channels.

CP Ojo ‎reassures all residents of his unwavering dedication to maintaining peace, safety, and order across the state. Further updates will be provided as investigations into the case progress.

SaharaReporters previously reported that some angry residents in Sokupkpan community, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, reportedly lynched the Chief Imam of the area, identified as Abdulahi Audu, for alleged involvement in the death of a resident, Ibrahim Gana.

According to multiple sources who spoke with SaharaReporters on Wednesday, the violent incident occurred after Gana, before his death, accused the Chief Imam of being responsible for his deteriorating health.

Gana was said to have repeatedly told people that he frequently saw the Chief Imam attacking him in his dreams, claiming the cleric was the spiritual cause of his illness.

The source explained that as Gana’s health worsened, suspicion and tension spread throughout the community.

“People started believing that the Chief Imam was behind Gana’s sickness because Gana insisted he saw him several times in his dreams. When Gana eventually died, some angry youths concluded that the Imam was responsible,” the source said.

On Wednesday, the tension escalated into a mob violence.

The Chief Imam was attacked by a group of residents allegedly led by three men identified as Mohammed Shaba, Mamudu Gana, and Ndakpotun Issa.

The attackers allegedly beat him to death in broad daylight despite attempts by a few community elders to intervene.

“The mob descended on the Imam, accusing him of killing Gana through witchcraft. They beat him until he died.”

Authorities from the Tsaragi Police Division were said to have quickly mobilised to the scene after receiving reports of the killing.

The source told SaharaReporters that the police arrested the three prime suspects believed to have led the mob attack.

“The police have arrested three suspects so far — Mohammed Shaba, Mamudu Gana, and Ndakpotun Issa — who were alleged to have played key roles in the lynching,” the source added.

Following the incident, the remains of the slain Chief Imam, Abdulahi Audu, were buried according to Islamic rites on Wednesday evening, amid tears and tension in the community.

 

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